It's been a while! October came and flew by fast. Now that November has arrived, I thought this would be an appropriate time to reflect on such a busy month. This is (hopefully) the start of a 'Monthly Digest' series where I glance back on my favorite day-to-day moments from the past month in an attempt to not just let time zoom by in a blur.

Moments

I turned 25! I know, I know, I'm the hardest person to surprise. Even so, I had the best of friends who made me think that either they had forgotten my birthday completely or were just too busy to celebrate with me, before surprising me by hiding in my own apartment that evening. I haven't been all that excited for my birthdays abroad because it's when I miss my family and friends from home the most. This is why I was caught completely off-guard with this surprise that I shed tears ...but I guess it just made it all the more memorable :')

Before I walked in. Thanks for the photo, Tiffany :)

Another moment I cannot exclude is a tough one: the passing of Thailand's late King Bhumibol. I wrote a short post to explain why this has shaken the entire country, so I will not repeat that here. On a brighter side (which the western media doesn't seem to cover), His Majesty's passing has brought out several kind-hearted acts among his people: in addition to several charity movements, Thai people have been the most supportive and understanding of one another than I've ever witnessed.

As a side note, if you're concerned about traveling to Thailand in the near future, you have nothing to worry about! As long as you are respectful and understand that most people might be dressed in black or white clothing, you shouldn't have a problem and most businesses should be operating as usual.

King Bhumibol Square - Cambridge, MA

Fall is in its full force! It's my favorite season to spend in Boston. I finally went on a hike to see the leaves changing colors for the very first time! I've been to New Hampshire in October plenty of times during college with student groups, but sadly hiking wasn't most people's favorite activity. Luckily, I've found these lovely people who share my enthusiasm for hiking and nature and we had a blast.

I also attended a beautiful wedding in Danvers, MA the day after this hike. Despite being dead tired and incredibly sore from the hike, having the opportunity to be part of one of the happiest moments in two people's lives was such an honor and it gives me all the feels. That weekend turned out to be one of the most exhausting ones in October, but it was also the highlight of my month.

Congrats May & Nick!!!

Father-daughter dance <3

Food

Of course, food is always a big part of my life. There were several good meals with great company, as well as warm hearty home-cooked ones. I'm so so lucky to be surrounded by friends who love and appreciate food like I do. A notable mention to my birthday dinner at Little Donkey, a new Tatte Bakery location in Harvard Square, and the fact that I gave Blue Apron a try for a couple of weeks, so be on the look out for my thoughts on the experience soon!

Work

Work has been very busy this month, in a good way. I've been working with clients located at the Idea Space in Back Bay, so it's been a pleasure to stroll on Newbury and Boylston almost everyday. I hope to share more about my journey as an independent designer on this blog in the coming months - more on that at the end of this post!

To Boston readers: if you'd like to help me out on my user research for about half an hour, hit me up! You basically answer some of my questions while interacting with an app we're testing :)

Favorites

A shoutout to some of my favorite things this past month:

1. TaoTronics Eye-caring Desk Lamp / I've used my old one since freshman year of college and it was too in-your-face bright and not easy on the eyes. This affordable find has been amazing, flexible, and looks pretty sleek too! I was hesitant since I tend to gravitate towards more vintage styles, but I've been very happy with this baby.

4. I finally put up some of the water color postcards I like to collect from travel above my desk!

A Look Ahead

I've been giving a lot of thought on what I should post about on here (and it probably has taken a toll on my blog frequency). I know I want this space to be about me - as something to look back on and a tool to share my stories - but which aspect(s) of me I should share I wasn't so sure.

I've decided that, in addition to the current travel & food stories, I want to share more on my journey as a designer (things I learned from college, my first job, and transitioning to freelance) as well as challenges I take on to push myself. I hope to be a useful resource for those going through similar paths, as well as to paint a more complete picture of me (not just food and travel photos!)

And that's October for you! Writing this has been quite a task, but incredibly rewarding: reflecting on these thoughts and moments has put me in such a joyful and content mood. I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you liked this Monthly Digest format. Any suggestions for a better name? Any thoughts on what YOU would like to read about on my blog?

about PUDJEEB

Hi there! This photo journal by 'PJ' (Pavika B.) is a space for her to document, reflect, and share stories and moments from her life as a creative, currently figuring out what it means to be a Thai-American woman in Silicon Valley.